There are many factors that should be considered when choosing a bit which is appropriate for you horse, for advice on choosing a bit that is most suitable for your needs contact us and speak to experienced and qualified staff.

Bits work on many different areas of the horse's head: the tongue, bars, corners of mouth and lips, roof of mouth, side of face, chin groove, poll and nose.

There are essentially 5 different types of bits. All work on different areas of the horse and therefore have a different result. Within the different types, bits have a varying severity. e.g. In the snaffle family, a Dr Bristol is far more severe than a french link . . . even though they are both snaffles.

Materials.

There is a large range of materials available that the bits are made out of.

• Stainless Steel - safe and easy to clean, stainless steel is the normal material that the bits are made from
• Copper - is softer and can be used to cover the mouthpieces. It can be used to help horses mouth the bit and encourage salivation. Many horses like the taste
• Cupro Nickel and German Silver - these bits have a light gold colour that and a unique flavour which can help the horse to soften
• Sweet Iron - is darker in colour and encourages the horse to salivate. This in turn produces a pleasent taste
• Rubber - makes a very soft and kind bit. Because of the nature of the material, bits madefrom rubber should always have a metal reinforcement running through the centre in case the horse chews through
• Synthetic - usually light but very strong. They are also quite gentle on the horse's mouth
• Vulcanite - a type of rubber that is hardened by heat. Vulcanite mouthpieces are often very thick meaning that they are gentle in the horse's mouth